The 28 Nosler is a high-velocity, non-belted 7mm centerfire rifle cartridge defined by specific SAAMI and manufacturer standards. Its key structural measurements include a standard bullet diameter of 0.284 inches (7.21 mm), a maximum case length of 2.590 inches (65.8 mm), and a maximum overall cartridge length (COAL) of 3.340 inches (84.8 mm).The cartridge base measures 0.550 inches (14.0 mm) with a rebated rim diameter of 0.534 inches (13.6 mm), while the shoulder diameter is 0.528 inches (13.4 mm) and the neck diameter is 0.320 inches (8.1 mm). Depending on whether data originates from SAAMI standards, C.I.P. guidelines, or proprietary manufacturer documentation, listed values may reflect nominal engineering baselines, maximum allowable dimensions, or manufacturing tolerances.
28 Nosler Dimensions
| Dimension | Inches | Millimeters | Specification Type | Source | Notes |
| Bullet Diameter | 0.284 in | 7.21 mm | Nominal / Standard | SAAMI / Nosler | Standard .284 caliber projectile diameter |
| Case Length | 2.590 in | 65.8 mm | Maximum | SAAMI / Nosler | Maximum length from case mouth to base |
| Overall Cartridge Length (COAL) | 3.340 in | 84.8 mm | Maximum | SAAMI / Nosler | Fits standard-length (30-06 length) rifle actions |
| Rim Diameter | 0.534 in | 13.6 mm | Maximum | SAAMI / Nosler | Rebated rim design fitting a magnum bolt face |
| Base Diameter | 0.550 in | 14.0 mm | Maximum | SAAMI / Nosler | Case body diameter just forward of the extraction groove |
| Shoulder Diameter | 0.528 in | 13.4 mm | Maximum | SAAMI / Nosler | Measured at the body-to-shoulder junction |
| Neck Diameter | 0.320 in | 8.1 mm | Maximum | SAAMI / Nosler | Outer diameter of the charged or chamber neck |
| Shoulder Angle | 35° | 35° | Nominal Design | SAAMI / Nosler | Steep shoulder optimizing internal case volume |
| Case Capacity | 93.8 gr H₂O | 6.08 ml | Nominal / Usable | Nosler / SAAMI | Total internal water capacity to the mouth |
| Maximum Pressure | 65,000 psi | 450 MPa | Maximum Average Pressure (MAP) | SAAMI | Industry pressure safety ceiling |
Understanding The 28 Nosler Dimensions
To fully appreciate the 28 Nosler cartridge size, each measurement serves a specialized engineering purpose in balancing external ballistics, chamber safety, and mechanical feeding.
- Bullet Diameter:Standardized at 0.284 inches (7.21 mm), this dimension dictates the 7mm caliber designation. It matches the groove diameter of the barrel rifling to ensure proper projectile engagement.
- Case Length: The 2.590-inch (65.8 mm) maximum case length provides the linear distance required to house substantial propellant charges while keeping the overall cartridge length compact.
- Rim and Base Diameters:The base diameter of 0.550 inches (14.0 mm) and rebated rim diameter of 0.534 inches (13.6 mm) allow the cartridge to utilize a standard magnum bolt face while maximizing body powder volume.
- Shoulder Diameter and Angle:The 0.528-inch shoulder diameter coupled with a sharp 35-degree shoulder angle reduces body taper, encouraging efficient powder burn and consistent headspacing.
- Neck Dimensions & Length:The neck diameter of 0.320 inches securely grips the bullet shank, ensuring proper concentricity and neck tension.
- Overall Cartridge Length (COAL):Capped at a maximum of 3.340 inches, the cartridge can reliably cycle through standard-length rifle actions (such as those sized for the .30-06 Springfield) rather than requiring massive full-magnum actions.
- Case Capacity:Holding approximately 93.8 grains of water, the massive usable capacity allows high muzzle velocities with heavy, high-BC bullets.
28 Nosler Dimensions In Inches And Millimeters
| Measurement Category | Dimension (Inches) | Dimension (Millimeters) |
| Bullet Diameter | 0.284 in | 7.21 mm |
| Case Length (Max) | 2.590 in | 65.8 mm |
| Overall Cartridge Length (Max) | 3.340 in | 84.8 mm |
| Base Diameter | 0.550 in | 14.0 mm |
| Rim Diameter | 0.534 in | 13.6 mm |
| Shoulder Diameter | 0.528 in | 13.4 mm |
| Neck Diameter | 0.320 in | 8.1 mm |
28 Nosler Case Dimensions
Examining the 28 Nosler case dimensions reveals a design optimized for maximum internal volume without stepping up to a heavy, long-action platform. Derived from the .300 Remington Ultra Magnum (RUM) family, the case features a straight wall profile with minimal body taper, terminating in a 35-degree shoulder.
Nominal case specifications outline a maximum case length of 2.590 inches, requiring handloaders to trim brass that exceeds length limits during maintenance.The base diameter is 0.550 inches, which tapers slightly up to a shoulder diameter of 0.528 inches. Because manufacturing standards account for production variation, SAAMI guidelines enforce negative tolerances on chamber and cartridge specs to ensure that factory ammunition chambers smoothly across diverse rifle tolerances without interference.
28 Nosler Bullet Diameter
The standardized 28 Nosler bullet diameter is strictly 0.284 inches (7.21 mm), commonly referred to as 7mm caliber. This dimension describes the projectile’s outer driving surface. It is vital not to confuse bullet diameter with bore diameter (the inner diameter measured across the lands of the rifling, which is smaller at roughly .284 in minus land depth) or groove diameter (measured across the deepest grooves).
Common 7mm bullets spanning weights from 150 grains to 195 grains all share this exact 0.284-inch outer diameter, allowing uniform compatibility with the case neck while offering vastly different ballistic coefficients and terminal profiles.
28 Nosler Overall Cartridge Length
The published maximum overall length for the 28 Nosler is 3.340 inches (84.8 mm). This specific limit was engineered by Nosler to ensure that factory and handloaded ammunition can function seamlessly in standard-length bolt-action rifles.
While 3.340 inches represents the absolute maximum specification for SAAMI compliance, actual loaded-cartridge lengths vary depending on the specific profile and ogive of the bullet selected. High-BC, heavy bullets seated long for custom chambers may exceed 3.340 inches, meaning they will not fit standard internal magazine boxes unless the rifle is built with an extended throat or custom magazine well.
28 Nosler Case Capacity
The 28 Nosler case capacity is officially documented at approximately 93.8 grains of water (6.08 ml) to the mouth. This massive volume is what allows the cartridge to achieve its signature velocity nodes.
However, internal volume is not entirely uniform across the industry. Case capacity varies noticeably between different brass manufacturers due to internal wall thickness variations and manufacturing lot differences. Nominal published capacity serves as a baseline for software modeling, but physical water-weight sorting of fired or new brass is frequently practiced by precision handloaders to ensure uniform internal pressures.
28 Nosler Dimensions vs Similar Cartridges
To understand how the 28 Nosler compares to other modern and legacy magnums, reviewing structural data side by side highlights distinct design philosophies.
| Cartridge | Bullet Diameter | Case Length | Overall Length | Rim / Base Diameter | Case Capacity | Source |
| 28 Nosler | 0.284 in | 2.590 in | 3.340 in | 0.534 / 0.550 in | 93.8 gr H₂O | SAAMI / Nosler |
| 7mm PRC | 0.284 in | 2.417 in | 3.340 in | 0.472 / 0.532 in | ~75.0 gr H₂O | SAAMI |
| 7mm Remington Magnum | 0.284 in | 2.500 in | 3.290 in | 0.532 / 0.513 in | 83.5 gr H₂O | SAAMI |
| 7mm Weatherby Magnum | 0.284 in | 2.549 in | 3.360 in | 0.5315 in | ~84.5 gr H₂O | SAAMI |
| 26 Nosler | 0.264 in | 2.590 in | 3.340 in | 0.534 / 0.550 in | ~93.4 gr H₂O | SAAMI / Nosler |
28 Nosler vs 7mm PRC Dimensions
Both the 28 Nosler and the 7mm PRC are premier modern 7mm magnums designed around heavy, high-BC bullets, but their case dimensions differ significantly.
The 28 Nosler features a longer case length (2.590 inches vs. 2.417 inches for the 7mm PRC) and a larger base diameter (0.550 inches vs. 0.532 inches), resulting in substantially greater case capacity (~93.8 gr vs. ~75 gr).While both share a maximum overall length of 3.340 inches to fit standard actions, the 7mm PRC was designed with a longer throat and a narrower case head to optimize modern long-action magazine stacking and reduce barrel wear, whereas the 28 Nosler prioritizes raw powder capacity and velocity.
28 Nosler vs 7mm Remington Magnum Dimensions
Comparing the 28 Nosler to the classic 7mm Remington Magnum highlights evolutionary shifts in case design. The 7mm Rem Mag utilizes a belted case with a case length of 2.500 inches and a rim/belt diameter of 0.532 inches.
In contrast, the 28 Nosler is beltless, utilizing a rebated rim of 0.534 inches and a body diameter of 0.550 inches.The 28 Nosler case is slightly longer at 2.590 inches and features a sharper 35-degree shoulder compared to the 25-degree shoulder of the 7mm Rem Mag.This gives the 28 Nosler roughly 10% more powder capacity, though dimensional proximity does not make the two cartridges interchangeable.
28 Nosler Chamber And Cartridge Dimensions
Chamber dimensions dictate how a cartridge fits and aligns inside a rifle barrel. The 28 Nosler relies on shoulder headspacing, meaning the rifle chamber is cut to index off the 35-degree shoulder datum angle rather than a belt or rim.
Proper headspace ensures consistent firing pin strike energy, safe ignition under maximum pressure, and precise cartridge alignment with the bore axis. The neck and throat dimensions of the chamber are engineered to allow bullet release without excessive initial pressure spikes while supporting concentric seating.
28 Nosler Bullet Weight And Dimensions
Factory ammunition and handloads for the 28 Nosler accommodate a wide spectrum of projectile weights, commonly including 150 grain, 160 grain, 168 grain, 175 grain, and 180 grain configurations.
While bullet weight does not alter the standardized external case dimensions, heavier, longer bullets possess a longer bearing surface and ogive. Consequently, when loading long-range high-BC projectiles, the seating depth must be carefully managed so that the loaded cartridge remains at or below the 3.340-inch maximum overall length specification.
Why 28 Nosler Dimensions Matter
Understanding exact cartridge dimensions is essential for multiple operational reasons:
- Chamber Fit & Safety: Ensures factory ammunition matches chamber reamer specs safely.
- Feeding & Magazine Compatibility: Guarantees reliable passage through standard-length magazine boxes.
- Headspacing: Guarantees precise shoulder contact for uniform case life and safety.
- Reloading Considerations: Prevents over-pressure conditions and guides proper sizing die setup.
Manufacturer Specifications vs Independent Measurements
Official dimensional standards are established by governing bodies like SAAMI and C.I.P., alongside primary developer specifications provided by Nosler. Independent measurements of factory ammunition or fired brass may show minor deviations within allowable manufacturing tolerances.
While individual lots of brass can vary slightly in wall thickness or internal volume, official specifications remain the definitive benchmark for cartridge geometry, chamber reamer design, and pressure testing.
Common Questions
What are the dimensions of 28 Nosler?
The 28 Nosler features a bullet diameter of 0.284 in, case length of 2.590 in, maximum overall length of 3.340 in, base diameter of 0.550 in, and a rebated rim diameter of 0.534 in.
What is the 28 Nosler case length?
The maximum case length is 2.590 inches (65.8 mm).
What is the 28 Nosler overall length?
The maximum overall cartridge length (COAL) is 3.340 inches (84.8 mm).
What is the 28 Nosler bullet diameter?
The standard bullet diameter is 0.284 inches (7.21 mm).
What is the 28 Nosler rim diameter?
The rebated rim diameter is 0.534 inches (13.6 mm).
What is the 28 Nosler base diameter?
The base diameter is 0.550 inches (14.0 mm).
What is the 28 Nosler case capacity?
The nominal case capacity is approximately 93.8 grains of water (6.08 ml).
How does 28 Nosler compare with 7mm PRC dimensions?
The 28 Nosler has a longer case (2.590″ vs 2.417″) and larger base diameter (0.550″ vs 0.532″), yielding significantly higher case capacity (~93.8 gr vs ~75 gr), though both share a 3.340″ maximum overall length.
How does 28 Nosler compare with 7mm Remington Magnum dimensions?
The 28 Nosler is beltless with a 0.550″ base diameter, whereas the 7mm Rem Mag is belted with a 0.513″ base diameter and a 2.500″ case length.
Is 28 Nosler the same size as 7mm PRC?
No, their internal capacities, case lengths, and body taper designs are distinct, and ammunition is not interchangeable.
What is the maximum overall length of 28 Nosler?
The SAAMI maximum overall length is 3.340 inches.
What is the 28 Nosler maximum pressure?
The SAAMI Maximum Average Pressure (MAP) ceiling is 65,000 psi (450 MPa).
Final Verdict
The 28 Nosler is defined by a 0.284-inch bullet diameter, a 2.590-inch case length, and a 3.340-inch maximum overall length, allowing it to generate massive velocity in standard-length rifle actions.Compared to traditional and modern 7mm counterparts like the 7mm Remington Magnum and 7mm PRC, it provides superior case capacity via a robust, beltless design. Its precise base (0.550″), shoulder (0.528″), and headspacing geometries remain the most critical metrics for safe chamber fit, reloading compliance, and predictable long-range performance.